Nîmes: Roman Ruins, Delights, and Family Fun
Explore Nîmes: Where history, culture, and family fun merge seamlessly.
19 July 2023
Raymonde Gagnon
France Travel Writer
Nîmes, located in the beautiful southern region of France, offers a fantastic family-friendly trip filled with history, culture, and outdoor activities. Explore the ancient Roman ruins at the magnificent Arena of Nîmes or the picturesque Maison Carrée, perfect for both education and captivating photo opportunities. With its pleasant Mediterranean climate, Nîmes also provides opportunities for leisurely walks through charming streets, enjoying local cuisine, and relaxing at kid-friendly parks, ensuring an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
Day trip plan
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- Begin your day at the iconic Roman amphitheater, Les Arènes, where you can channel your inner gladiator (sans bloodshed, of course!).
- Wander through the historic center, stopping by the exquisite Maison Carrée, a perfectly preserved Roman temple that will leave you in awe.
- Don't miss the enchanting Jardins de la Fontaine, boasting beautiful sculptures, a captivating water tower, and even some hidden grottos to discover.
- When hunger strikes, head to La Feria, a lively restaurant serving mouthwatering traditional Provençal cuisine just try not to drool all over the menu!
- For an afternoon treat, visit L'Atelier Gourmand and indulge in their divine chocolate eclairs be warned, one bite and you'll be transported to cloud nine!
- End your day on a sweet note at La Maison d'Uzès, a charming boutique hotel with a picture-perfect rooftop terrace, offering stunning views over the city.
- Note: Please check the opening hours of attractions as they may vary. Enjoy your adventure through Nîmes!
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Nîmes by plane is to fly to Nîmes-Alès-Camargue-Cévennes Airport (FNI), which is located about 10km outside of the city. Flights to FNI are available from various cities across France, as well as from international destinations, including London and Brussels.
Car
Driving to Nîmes is a good option if you are traveling from other parts of France or Europe. The city is easily accessible via the A9 motorway, which runs from Orange to Perpignan. There are several car rental companies located at Nîmes airport if you need to rent a car during your stay.
Train
If you are coming from within France, taking the train to Nîmes is a convenient option. The city is served by the TGV high-speed train and the Intercités express train. Nîmes train station is located near the city center and provides easy access to local transportation.
Boat
While there are no direct boat services to Nîmes, you can take a river cruise to the nearby city of Avignon and then travel to Nîmes by train or bus. Several river cruise companies operate in the region and offer cruises along the Rhône River.
Bus
Nîmes can also be reached by bus, with several companies offering services from other cities in France as well as from international destinations such as Barcelona and Geneva. The main bus station in Nîmes is located near the train station.